Characters
What two birds are in this story?
Hawk and dove
Where does the story take place?
The banks of the Jumna
Who wrote the Mahabharata?
Veda Vyasa
List three literary/stylistic elements as shown in Mahabharata Sibi and elaborate.
Dialogue, foreshadowing, contrasting characters, allegory, etc.
Who is Sibi?
A selfless king known for his righteousness, famously offering his own flesh to protect a dove from a hawk
How does Sibi first attempt to resolve the conflict with the hawk?
By trying to change the talking points of the conversation
What is one major theme reflected in the Mahabharata?
Dharma
How does the story of Sibi optimize the use of dialogue?
The story is told mostly through dialogue, and it represents the argument and negotiation between "righteousness" and "temptation". The dialogue shows the thoughts of each character and their priorities.
Suspended plates and a tree branch
What was the king's alternative to a weighing scale from the city?
What is an Indian epic?
A long narrative, often a poem, about the deeds and adventures of an Indian hero.
Describe how symbolism is portrayed in this story.
Dove --> Weakness, requirement of protection
Hawk --> natural order, survival of the fittest, strength, survival instinct, self protection
Sibi --> righteousness, justice, compassion
Who did the hawk reveal himself to be?
Indra
Why did the king go to such lengths to protect the dove?
He saw the terror in its eye and felt an urge to protect it.
What is an epic hero?
The central figure of an epic, possessing qualities such as courage, loyalty, and great physical strength.
How are contrasting characters optimized in the story of Sibi?
There are two main voices: Hawk and King that are portrayed as selfishness and compassionate respectively, and they contrast each other throughout the story. Other possible traits for hawk: caring for his family, prioritized, etc. Other possible traits for king: selfless, prioritizes justice, etc.
What does the hawk claim to be while talking to the king?
The king of the birds
What was the lesson that could be learned from this story?
Selflessness, keeping promises, prioritizing others' well-being even at personal cost
What is dharma?
The unique obligations that each person must fulfill in order to maintain harmony in the universe. (justice, righteousness, duty, etc.)
What is an allegory, and how does Mahabharata Sibi characterize as one?
An allegory is a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden message/lesson. Mahabharata Sibi optimizes the use of the birds and the king to show the importance of righteousness and compassion.